Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to knock out Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash eventually materialises, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking to Fightlens, Bellew expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to stop The Gypsy King, despite acknowledging Fury’s superior boxing skills.
“I’ve always said it and I’ll stick by it. I think Anthony Joshua will be forced to let his hands go, and he’ll knock out Tyson Fury,” Bellew said.
“Do I think he’s the better fighter? No. But not always the better fighter wins. I’ve been in fights myself where I’ve beaten fighters better than me, like David Haye. I beat him twice, but he’s a better fighter than me. Styles make fights.”
The highly anticipated showdown between the British rivals appeared close in 2021, with reports of a two-fight deal in Saudi Arabia, but Fury’s contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder for a third time derailed those plans.
Joshua, who lost his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles to Oleksandr Usyk later that year, bounced back with victories over Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou before suffering a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois.
Meanwhile, Fury recently announced his retirement following his second loss to Usyk, though the 35-year-old has previously retired and returned on multiple occasions since his 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Hopes of the mega-fight happening were rekindled when His Excellency Turki Alalshikh hinted at a potential clash between the heavyweight stars in 2025.
“Fury might be the better fighter on paper, but Joshua has the tools to force an outcome,” Bellew added. “Styles make fights, and AJ has the power and determination to cause an upset.”
